Trade Deadline Preview: Toronto Blue Jays
By Sean Davis
Jun 14, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie (13) hits a rbi single in the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Baltimore Orioles defeats the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
By acquiring the sheer quantity of talent the Blue Jays did in the offseason of 2012-’13, to go along with the nucleus of talent they had in place already, there weren’t many holes in the roster on paper. The holes they do have though, can very easily be filled – that is if the team wants to, and they do have the means to do so.
1. Starting Pitching
Mark Buehrle is having a very strong season, despite some recent hiccups, R.A. Dickey has never recaptured his Cy Young form in Toronto, Drew Hutchinson has been solid but lacks experience, behind them sits J.A. Happ, and the talented youngster Marcus Stroman. Happ is clearly the weak link in this rotation, and likely can’t be trusted to pitch meaningful games for the Jays down the stretch. This is likely the team’s most pressing need.
2. Second Base
The versatility of Brett Lawrie creates options for the Blue Jays brass as they delve into the trade market. Lawrie is on the 15 day DL currently, after suffering a fractured index finger after being hit by a pitch, but upon his return he should pick up where he left off in his productive 2014 campaign. With the likes of Steve Tolleson and Munenori Kawasaki manning second base for the time being, it’s clear that an upgrade may very well be in order.
3. Third Base
This is where Lawrie’s versatility comes into play. If the Blue Jays find a more suitable trade partner to get a third baseman, they have the freedom to do so. It’s unclear though which position may be more realistic as far as available upgrades are concerned. There is no doubt though, the Blue Jays indeed have options.